Hello Students! I hope you are all enjoying your break... As I mentioned in class, you can now download the answer key to the reading comprehension packet that I gave out a week and a half ago. Please use this key to review your answers. Please pay close attention to the answers that you got wrong, and try to understand why you chose the answers that you did. To get the key, please visit the "assignments" tab at my class website (see link in the upper left hand corner of this page).
On the subject of NJASK prep, I will offer extra credit to any student who successfully creates a useful post on their blog entitled "Tips for NJASK Success". You can list and describe the strategies we discussed in class (or anything you may have discussed in math class), along with any others that you can think of. Posting these tips should help you remember them, while helping out your classmates who may have already forgotten!
Additionally, if you have found any good (and preferably free) sites offering NJASK practice or tips, please be sure to share those links with the class, as well!
OK, that's all for now. Enjoy the rest of your week off!
-Mr. Gallo
Monday, April 27, 2009
Monday, April 13, 2009
Attention 8th Graders... Important Yearbook Information!
Hello Graduates-to-be...
As I mentioned in class today, this is the last week of yearbook editing before our final deadline! Please ask your parents if they are interested in submitting a booster, as it's not too late! Also, if you are interested in submitting your fond memories of your time at the school (around one, maybe two paragraphs in length - you can include favorite events, moments, trips, classes, projects, teachers, etc...), please submit that to me electronically ASAP. Only the first 12 submissions can be accepted (that's all I have room for!) Some time this week, I'm also going to be asking each of you to provide a "nickname", the school you will be attending next year, and possibly a brief quote or dream job for your portrait page. Finally, your individual and group portraits will be taken later this week - probably Thursday. I want to take them outside, so weather will be a factor... Don't say I didn't warn you!
That's all for now. If you have any questions, please e-mail me or feel free to bring them up in class.
-Mr. Gallo
As I mentioned in class today, this is the last week of yearbook editing before our final deadline! Please ask your parents if they are interested in submitting a booster, as it's not too late! Also, if you are interested in submitting your fond memories of your time at the school (around one, maybe two paragraphs in length - you can include favorite events, moments, trips, classes, projects, teachers, etc...), please submit that to me electronically ASAP. Only the first 12 submissions can be accepted (that's all I have room for!) Some time this week, I'm also going to be asking each of you to provide a "nickname", the school you will be attending next year, and possibly a brief quote or dream job for your portrait page. Finally, your individual and group portraits will be taken later this week - probably Thursday. I want to take them outside, so weather will be a factor... Don't say I didn't warn you!
That's all for now. If you have any questions, please e-mail me or feel free to bring them up in class.
-Mr. Gallo
Monday, April 6, 2009
A Midsummer Night's Dream Open Ended Response Questions
As discussed in class, each student must choose 3 of the following questions to respond to as a post on their blogs. ALL 3 RESPONSES SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN ONE POST! Please Be sure to repeat the questions on your post, so I (and any other readers) know what topics you are responding to. Each response should be AT LEAST one paragraph (so you will be writing a total of at least 3 paragraphs).
1. Why is the play called, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”? Could you think of a more appropriate title? If so, what would you call it and why?
2. If you were to act this play out on stage, which character would you choose to be and why?
3. What was your favorite Act/Scene? Why?
4. Who was your least favorite character? Why?
5. Would you change any part of the play? Why or why not? If you would, what would you change?
6. Did you like the play? Why or why not?
7. Write a brief scene (this does not have to be in paragraph form) that features something that Shakespeare purposefully left out of the play. Examples include "When Lysander and Hermia first meet", "Helena telling Demetrius about Hermia and Lysander's plan", "The wedding ceremony", or you can even write a scene that takes place after the craftsmen put on their play for Theseus. Choose from these examples or make up your own. This does not have to be written in Shakespearean English, but you may give it a try if you'd like! Be sure to include stage directions to let the reader know who is in the scene and where (geographically and sequentially) it is taking place.
Remember, you must choose ANY 3 of these questions. This assignment (which will receive a TEST grade) is due by the end of the day on Monday, April 13.
Once you have posted your response, please let everyone know by submitting a comment under this post announcing which questions you answered.
Finally, please try to make it a point to read as many of your your classmates' posts as you can and to share your thoughts on their writing with productive and appropriate comments.
-Mr. Gallo
1. Why is the play called, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”? Could you think of a more appropriate title? If so, what would you call it and why?
2. If you were to act this play out on stage, which character would you choose to be and why?
3. What was your favorite Act/Scene? Why?
4. Who was your least favorite character? Why?
5. Would you change any part of the play? Why or why not? If you would, what would you change?
6. Did you like the play? Why or why not?
7. Write a brief scene (this does not have to be in paragraph form) that features something that Shakespeare purposefully left out of the play. Examples include "When Lysander and Hermia first meet", "Helena telling Demetrius about Hermia and Lysander's plan", "The wedding ceremony", or you can even write a scene that takes place after the craftsmen put on their play for Theseus. Choose from these examples or make up your own. This does not have to be written in Shakespearean English, but you may give it a try if you'd like! Be sure to include stage directions to let the reader know who is in the scene and where (geographically and sequentially) it is taking place.
Remember, you must choose ANY 3 of these questions. This assignment (which will receive a TEST grade) is due by the end of the day on Monday, April 13.
Once you have posted your response, please let everyone know by submitting a comment under this post announcing which questions you answered.
Finally, please try to make it a point to read as many of your your classmates' posts as you can and to share your thoughts on their writing with productive and appropriate comments.
-Mr. Gallo
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Assignment: A Midsummer Night's Dream - Act 5 Summary
Now that we have finished reading the play, please post a brief summary (IN YOUR OWN WORDS) of Act 5 on your blog. If you need a reminder of what we covered in class, please feel free to visit the online text (see the link in the previous post). Your summary should be AT LEAST 1 paragraph long. As always, please remember to TITLE your post.This assignment is due by class time on Friday, 3/27.
-Mr. Gallo
-Mr. Gallo
A Game of HORSE Gone Wrong!
This photo is the result of a game of HORSE gone terribly wrong at the end of recess today... This post is also my first attempt at "mobile blogging'' with my cell phone. I hope it works... If it does, please feel free to comment on this photo. In addition, I'm interested in hearing your thoughts on the concept of "mobile blogging". Can you imagine any practical, interesting, or fun uses for this type of blogging?
-Mr. Gallo
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Assignment: A Midsummer Night's Dream - Act 4 Summary
We're almost done with play! Now that we have finished reading the fourth act in class, please post a brief summary (IN YOUR OWN WORDS) on your blog. Be sure to include information from both scene 1 and scene 2. If you need a reminder of what we covered in class, please feel free to visit the online text (see the link in the previous post). Your summary should be AT LEAST 2 paragraphs long. As always, please remember to TITLE your post.This assignment is due by class time on Thursday, 3/26.
-Mr. Gallo
-Mr. Gallo
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Assignment: A Midsummer Night's Dream - Act 3 Summary
Alright... now that we have completed the third act of the play in class, please post a brief summary (IN YOUR OWN WORDS) on your blog. Be sure to include information from both scene 1 and scene 2. If you need a reminder of what we covered in class, please feel free to visit the online text (see the link in the previous post). Your summary should be AT LEAST 2 paragraphs long. As always, please remember to TITLE your post.
This assignment is due by the end of the school day on Monday, 3/23.
-Mr. Gallo
This assignment is due by the end of the school day on Monday, 3/23.
-Mr. Gallo
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Reminder: 8th Grade Baby Pictures Needed!
This message is intended for all of my eighth graders. If you would like to have a baby picture included in this year's yearbook, they need to be submitted to me ASAP! Submissions can be digital or hard-copy photographs (they will be returned). Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.
-Mr. Gallo
-Mr. Gallo
Monday, March 16, 2009
Assignment: A Midsummer Night's Dream - Act 2 Summary
Now that we have completed the second act of the play in class, please post a brief summary (IN YOUR OWN WORDS) on your blog. Be sure to include information from both scene 1 and scene 2. If you need a reminder of what we covered in class, please feel free to visit the online text (see the link in the previous post). Your summary should be AT LEAST 2 paragraphs long. As always, please remember to TITLE your post.
This assignment is due by the end of the school day on Tuesday, 3/17.
-Mr. Gallo
This assignment is due by the end of the school day on Tuesday, 3/17.
-Mr. Gallo
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Independent Reading Documents
Hello, students... I'm pleased to let you know that your Independent Reading Documents (reading logs, abandoned book forms, and book lists) can now be downloaded and printed from the "Handouts'' tab at my class website. You can click on the link at the upper left hand corner of this page to go to the site. The documents are currently posted in pdf format, so you will need Adobe Reader to view and print them. If this is a problem for anyone, please let me know by submitting a comment on this post and I will see about providing them in Word (.doc) format, as well.
-Mr. Gallo
-Mr. Gallo
Good Luck, Simone!
Hello everybody... I just wanted to take a second to wish Simone good luck as she goes off to represent us in tomorrow's (Sunday, 3/15) reigonal spelling bee. She's been practicing and studying for some time now, so I'm sure that, regardless of where she finishes, she'll make us all very proud!
If you happen to catch this post before Sunday afternoon, feel free to share your positive thoughts for her in the form of a comment!
-Mr. Gallo
If you happen to catch this post before Sunday afternoon, feel free to share your positive thoughts for her in the form of a comment!
-Mr. Gallo
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Assignment: A Midsummer Night's Dream - Act 1 Summary
Ladies and gentlemen... For this assignment, please post a brief summary (IN YOUR OWN WORDS) of what we have read in Act 1 of the play. Be sure to include information from both scene 1 and scene 2. If you need a reminder of what we covered in class, please feel free to visit the online text (see the link in the previous post). Your summary should be AT LEAST 2 paragraphs long. As always, please remember to TITLE your post.
This assignment is due by the end of the school day on Thursday, 3/12.
-Mr. Gallo
This assignment is due by the end of the school day on Thursday, 3/12.
-Mr. Gallo
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
A Midsummer Night's Dream Online
Hello Students... If you need to revisit anything that we've read in class, you can read the play online for free. You can access it here:
http://nfs.sparknotes.com/msnd/
Feel free to use this resource to help you with homework or as inspiration for your own blog posts.
-Mr. Gallo
http://nfs.sparknotes.com/msnd/
Feel free to use this resource to help you with homework or as inspiration for your own blog posts.
-Mr. Gallo
Friday, March 6, 2009
Assignment: Henry V Bio-Poem
Students, please post your completed bio-poems on your blogs. Your poem should consist of everything that is contained within the quotation marks below. Be sure to include a title to your post!
Write the name of the character: "__________"
List four adjectives that describe him: "_____________________"
"Son of _____________"
"His entourage of ____________" (these are the people who surround him)
"Who loves____________" (list three people, objects, places, or ideas)
"Who feels ____________"
"Who needs ____________" (three items)
"Who fears _____________" (three items)
"Who gives _____________" (three items)
"Who would / would not like to see _______" (Choose "would" or "would not" and then list three items that go along with your choice)
"Resident of __________________"
In addition to the poem, feel free to include any other thoughts that you have on the character of Henry V and the way that he was portrayed in the performance that we saw.
This assignment will be due by the end of the school day on Monday, 3/9.
-Mr. Gallo
This assignment will be due by the end of the school day on Monday, 3/9.
-Mr. Gallo
Photo: Matthew Amendt in Henry V. Photo by Michal Daniel. (http://www.theactingcompany.org/images/Art-HenryV-Title-400p.jpg)
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Henry V Trip
Thank you to everyone for your cooperation and behavior on today's trip. Since several of you have already taken it upon yourselves to express your thoughts, reactions, and/or reviews of today's trip, I thought I'd share some of my own, as well.
Although it was a relatively hectic beginning to our day, between the bus picking us up late, sitting in traffic on our packed bus, and having to practically sneak into the theater 15 minutes into the show (I was disappointed that we missed the tennis balls scene!), I was pleased with the way that everything turned out once we were settled into our seats.
I feel that the show was extremely impressive and I am glad that we had an opportunity to see it. I understand that it was very difficult for many of you to understand the language, but I am hoping that you were able to follow the story based on our discussion, the packets I distributed, and the lecture that I gave on the plot of Henry V. As for the Shakespearean dialogue, if it was difficult following what the actors were saying, just imagine how difficult it must have been for them to speak those words with the emotion and fluidity that they were able to (and for nearly three hours, at that!) I think that this really adds to the value of the performance. Several students have shared their favorite moments from the show. Aside from the extremely powerful and inspiring speeches given by Matthew Amendt's King Henry, I really enjoyed the comedic scene where Katherine was trying to learn to speak English from her maid.
Regardless of whether or not you understood or enjoyed the play, I am confident that it was a worthwhile trip. This was certainly the most "grown-up" show that I've taken my students to and I think that it was a great example of drama the way that Shakespeare intended it. Sitting in our own balcony section also helped to make the performance a unique experience, as our perspective of the action on stage was somewhat different than many of us may be accustomed to. Even if you do not seem to really appreciate today's show right now, I'm confident that it is something you will remember. At some point in your academic careers - whether in high school or college - you may be asked what previous knowledge you have of the works of William Shakespeare. I'm hoping that today's viewing of Henry V (as well as our upcoming in-class reading of "A Midsummer Night's Dream") will be something that you can look back on and share with a certain amount of pride.
If you'd like to share any of your thoughts about the show (not McDonald's...) or this post, please feel free to comment here. Otherwise, I encourage you to continue sharing your ideas via your own blogs.
-Mr. Gallo
Although it was a relatively hectic beginning to our day, between the bus picking us up late, sitting in traffic on our packed bus, and having to practically sneak into the theater 15 minutes into the show (I was disappointed that we missed the tennis balls scene!), I was pleased with the way that everything turned out once we were settled into our seats.
I feel that the show was extremely impressive and I am glad that we had an opportunity to see it. I understand that it was very difficult for many of you to understand the language, but I am hoping that you were able to follow the story based on our discussion, the packets I distributed, and the lecture that I gave on the plot of Henry V. As for the Shakespearean dialogue, if it was difficult following what the actors were saying, just imagine how difficult it must have been for them to speak those words with the emotion and fluidity that they were able to (and for nearly three hours, at that!) I think that this really adds to the value of the performance. Several students have shared their favorite moments from the show. Aside from the extremely powerful and inspiring speeches given by Matthew Amendt's King Henry, I really enjoyed the comedic scene where Katherine was trying to learn to speak English from her maid.
Regardless of whether or not you understood or enjoyed the play, I am confident that it was a worthwhile trip. This was certainly the most "grown-up" show that I've taken my students to and I think that it was a great example of drama the way that Shakespeare intended it. Sitting in our own balcony section also helped to make the performance a unique experience, as our perspective of the action on stage was somewhat different than many of us may be accustomed to. Even if you do not seem to really appreciate today's show right now, I'm confident that it is something you will remember. At some point in your academic careers - whether in high school or college - you may be asked what previous knowledge you have of the works of William Shakespeare. I'm hoping that today's viewing of Henry V (as well as our upcoming in-class reading of "A Midsummer Night's Dream") will be something that you can look back on and share with a certain amount of pride.
If you'd like to share any of your thoughts about the show (not McDonald's...) or this post, please feel free to comment here. Otherwise, I encourage you to continue sharing your ideas via your own blogs.
-Mr. Gallo
Assignment reminder: Follow your classmates (and Me!)
Remember, you should be following all of the 7/8's and me by tomorrow, 3/6! That's 51 student blogs (not including your own) + the class blog.
-Mr. Gallo
-Mr. Gallo
Monday, March 2, 2009
New Class Website!
In addition to this class blog, I have recently created an official class website. It can be reached at http://mr.gallo.tripod.com/. I have also provided a link at the upper left corner of the class blog. This new website will be used to keep you informed on past, present, and future assignments and topics being covered in class. If you are missing a homework assignment or other document from class, it can be downloaded at the website. In addition, I have posted the video that we watched as part of our discussion on Internet Safety at the site. I hope that you find this website to be a convenient tool for maintaining organization and managing class assignments.
-Mr. Gallo
-Mr. Gallo
Sunday, March 1, 2009
A Couple of Things
Hello everybody, I hope all is going well with your blogs. I wanted to bring up a couple of things and also wanted to remind you of a couple due dates.
First, I'm pleased to see how some of you are really making it a point to come up with valuable posts. In addition, I like seeing you comment on each other's work. Keep it up! Next, PLEASE make it a point to TITLE any post that you create before publishing it. Let us know what your post is about. This is a habit that I want to see you all get into. Also, I am still seeing numerous spelling and grammatical mistakes on posts and comments. This can be easily avoided. Before you publish a post, be sure to use the spellcheck function (the ABC with a check under it). This will catch any spelling errors. As for grammar, be sure to PROOFREAD your work before publishing. Try to impress me (and anyone else who happens to read your blog...). I know that comments don't have a spellcheck function, but you still need to make it a point to proofread before submitting them. If you intend on writing a lengthy comment (which is always encouraged), you may want to type it in another program, such as Word, and do a spell check before submitting it by pasting into the comment field.
Now, for due dates. The digital story post should be up by the end of the day on Monday, 3/2. You should be following ALL other 7/8's by Friday, 3/6. Any new assignments will have a deadline included at the end of the post (assignment posts always begin with "Assignment:").
Finally, I wanted to let everyone know that we will be going to McDonald's for lunch after our show at the Theater on Thursday. Please make sure you bring enough money to buy whatever you may want to get for lunch. If you are not interested in buying McDonald's you still may bring a bagged lunch. Permission slips will be given out in class on Monday, 3/2 (or Tuesday, if we happen to have a snow day...).
That's it for now.
-Mr. Gallo
(P.S. - Please check out the "challenge" I have posted as a comment under Aliou's "Stick Together" post. This is not a required assignment, but I am interested in seeing what some of you are able to come up with. And I'm sure Aliou will appreciate you all visiting his blog...)
First, I'm pleased to see how some of you are really making it a point to come up with valuable posts. In addition, I like seeing you comment on each other's work. Keep it up! Next, PLEASE make it a point to TITLE any post that you create before publishing it. Let us know what your post is about. This is a habit that I want to see you all get into. Also, I am still seeing numerous spelling and grammatical mistakes on posts and comments. This can be easily avoided. Before you publish a post, be sure to use the spellcheck function (the ABC with a check under it). This will catch any spelling errors. As for grammar, be sure to PROOFREAD your work before publishing. Try to impress me (and anyone else who happens to read your blog...). I know that comments don't have a spellcheck function, but you still need to make it a point to proofread before submitting them. If you intend on writing a lengthy comment (which is always encouraged), you may want to type it in another program, such as Word, and do a spell check before submitting it by pasting into the comment field.
Now, for due dates. The digital story post should be up by the end of the day on Monday, 3/2. You should be following ALL other 7/8's by Friday, 3/6. Any new assignments will have a deadline included at the end of the post (assignment posts always begin with "Assignment:").
Finally, I wanted to let everyone know that we will be going to McDonald's for lunch after our show at the Theater on Thursday. Please make sure you bring enough money to buy whatever you may want to get for lunch. If you are not interested in buying McDonald's you still may bring a bagged lunch. Permission slips will be given out in class on Monday, 3/2 (or Tuesday, if we happen to have a snow day...).
That's it for now.
-Mr. Gallo
(P.S. - Please check out the "challenge" I have posted as a comment under Aliou's "Stick Together" post. This is not a required assignment, but I am interested in seeing what some of you are able to come up with. And I'm sure Aliou will appreciate you all visiting his blog...)
Friday, February 27, 2009
Adding Gadgets to Your Blogs
Several of you have asked about adding gadgets to your blogs (and some have added them without asking...). Basically, if you feel that they are apropriate for school, I have no problem with you using them on your school blog. Use your best judgement, but please do not add more than 3 (THREE) gadgets to your blog. Any more than that becomes quite distracting. Also, you should not add gadgets that play games, music, or videos, as they are another big distraction and they tend to slow down your blog's loading time. Finally, please make sure to view your blog after adding the gadgets to make sure that they have not changed the way your page functions. Sometimes certain gadgets can make your blog "jumpy" or some may cut off the text of your posts. Otherwise, have fun and choose gadgets that represent your interests, while promoting topics relevant to class.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Assignment: Follow Your Classmates (and Me!)
Over the course of the next week (by Friday, March 6), please visit the blog of every member of your class (all 7/8's) and click the link to become a follower of their blog. This way, you will know whenever anyone creates a new post.
In addition, please click the "Follow" link on this page to become a follower of our class blog.
You may upload an image to represent your blog (perhaps an interest of yours - a picture of a football, ballet shoes, book, guitar, etc.) However, remember that you may NOT post images of yourself or anyone else... Please use a picture that you have taken or created yourself or locate a creative commons licensed image at http://search.creativecommons.org/.
In addition, please click the "Follow" link on this page to become a follower of our class blog.
You may upload an image to represent your blog (perhaps an interest of yours - a picture of a football, ballet shoes, book, guitar, etc.) However, remember that you may NOT post images of yourself or anyone else... Please use a picture that you have taken or created yourself or locate a creative commons licensed image at http://search.creativecommons.org/.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Assignment: DIGITAL STORY PLOT MAP PROJECTS
Please create a post on your blog that showcases the digital story plot map project that you did earlier this year. Be sure to explain what story you mapped and what contribution that you, yourself, made to this group project. Find your project at youtube.com and direct your readers to the URL of the video or embed it using the HTML code. DON'T FORGET TO GIVE YOUR POST A TITLE!
Once you have completed this assignment, please post a comment here to let the class know that it is available to view and comment on. In addition, you should view some of your classmates' assignment posts (at least 2) and comment on them, as well.
This assignment is due by the end of the day on Monday, 3/2.
Once you have completed this assignment, please post a comment here to let the class know that it is available to view and comment on. In addition, you should view some of your classmates' assignment posts (at least 2) and comment on them, as well.
This assignment is due by the end of the day on Monday, 3/2.
Assignment: Student Blog Confirmations
Hello Students! Please create a welcome message on your blog and post a comment here to let the class know that your blog has been created and is ready to be viewed.
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